Significant Changes to Immigration Rules for Worker Visas

On 1 July 2025, the UK government released a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, which will come into effect on 22 July 2025. Below is a summary of the key changes most relevant to sponsors:

Key Dates and Transitional Provisions

• The new rules take effect on 22 July 2025.
• If a visa application is submitted after this date using a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued before 22 July, it will be assessed under the current rules, which are generally more favourable to applicants.

Changes to Skilled Worker Eligibility

Occupation Skill Threshold

• The required skill level for the Skilled Worker route is rising from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 (degree level).
• As a result, around 180 occupations at RQF levels 3–5 will no longer be eligible. This includes several commonly sponsored roles such as:
  • Retail and wholesale managers/directors
  • Hotel and accommodation managers
  • Restaurant and catering managers
  • Healthcare practice managers
  • Property and estate managers
  • Chefs
• New applications for these roles will not be accepted under the Skilled Worker route.
• However, existing sponsored workers (those holding a visa or valid CoS before 22 July 2025) may continue to:
  • Extend their visas
  • Change employers
  • Take supplementary employment
    even if their roles are below RQF Level 6.

Salary Threshold Increases

General Threshold

• The minimum salary requirement will rise from £38,700 to £41,700 per year.

Discounted Salary Thresholds:

• PhD roles: £37,500 (or £33,400 for certain STEM roles)
• Shortage Occupations: £33,400
• New Entrants: £33,400

Going Rate Increases

Salary benchmarks across eligible occupations will also rise. For example, first-time applicants will now see:

• IT Business Analysts/Architects (2133): £51,700 → £54,900
• Mechanical Engineers (2122): £42,500 → £46,800
• IT Project Managers (2131): £51,900 → £58,200

Restrictions on Dependants

• Workers in roles below RQF Level 6 will no longer be allowed to bring dependants, even if those roles are on the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List.
• This does not affect existing dependant visa holders, who can continue to stay in the UK and make future applications, regardless of the main applicant’s occupation level.

Restrictions on Care Worker Entry

• New overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 & 6136) will be closed.
• Only in-country applications will be accepted from those who:
  • Already hold a visa under these roles and are extending or changing sponsors, or
  • Are switching from another visa type and have worked for the sponsor for at least 3 months in the same care role.

Introduction of a Temporary Shortage List

A new interim Temporary Shortage List will be added to the existing Immigration Salary List. Despite being below RQF Level 6, these roles will remain eligible for sponsorship. The list includes:

• Logistics managers (1243)
• Consultancy services directors (1258)
• Laboratory and engineering technicians (3111–3116)
• CAD, architectural, and IT support technicians (3120–3133)
• Creative professionals such as authors, designers, photographers (3412, 3414, 3422, 3429)
• Maritime professionals and legal associates (3512, 3520)
• Finance and data roles, including analysts and underwriters (3532–3549)
• Business and HR professionals (3552, 3554, 3571, 3573)
• Financial admin roles (4121–4129), including job types such as:
  • Grants officers
  • Revenue assistants
  • Mortgage administrators
  • Box office assistants

Global Business Mobility (GBM) Updates

For overseas businesses transferring staff to the UK for short-term purposes (e.g., project delivery, training, or expansion), salary thresholds are increasing:

• Expansion Workers: £48,500 → £52,500
• Senior or Specialist Workers: £48,500 → £52,500
• Graduate Trainees: £25,410 → £27,300

With these extensive changes, the UK’s work visa rules are becoming significantly more complex. Sponsors and applicants are strongly encouraged to seek expert immigration advice early to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.

For guidance or tailored support, please contact our specialist team on 0207 903 6889 or email contact@davenportsolicitors.com.